Set high above the Rhone
valley, Crans Montana offers 160kms of varied and challenging
skiing and is an excellent resort with many facilities for
people of all ages and interests. Originally two villages,
Crans and Montana are now linked and the free bus service
offers easy access to the numerous shops, sporting facilities
and slopes. Five gondola links from different parts of the
resort are the starting point for the well connected ski area,
which is regularly host to world cup events.
Resort
Guide
Snow
Range: 1550-3000m
Village Heights:
1,550m (4,950ft)
Highest Lift:
3,000m (9,900ft)
Transfer Times:
2-3 Hours
Bars
Cafes
There is a huge variety of
cafés and restaurants as well as different bars and
clubs. Many are informal and lively and there is even a casino.
Amadeus bar
Number Two in Montana
Punch Zapata
Le Pub in Crans
Le Barocke and Absolut nightclubs.
Activities
Bowling
Ice skating
Curling
Fitness centre
Indoor tennis and squash courts
Golf simulator
Swimming pools
Tobogganing (weather permitting)
Horse riding
Parapenting
Snowshow walking
Disco on ice
Floodlit skiing
Eating
Out
There are over 80 restaurants
to choose from offering a massive variety of meals and atmosphere.
(Pizza/Pasta dishes approx. SFr18)
Le Vieux Moulin
Victoria's and Mamamia's for pizzas and pasta
Good typical Swiss restaurants include:
La Bergerie du Cervin
Le Mayen
La Cave.
Other
Amenities
Casino
Cinema
Amazing boutiques in Crans
Classical music concerts
Balloon flights
Hot air balloon festival (February)
60kms of cleared walkways
Free bus service throughout the resort
Extra
Services
Crèche
/ Kindergarten:
The Zig Zag crèche in Montana takes children from 18
months, open Mon-Fri 0930-1600.
The Fleurs des Champs day kindergarten
and crèche in Crans takes children from 3 months-7
years old, open 0700-1900 L/S Mon-Fri, H/S Sat-Fri (pre-booking
is advised)
For older children (3-6 years), the ski
school runs a kindergarten at the Grand Signal with indoor
and outdoor play as well as optional lessons Cost approx SFr
400 for 5 full days (Mon-Fri)
Ski
Area Terrain
Beginners:
There are nursery slopes at Grand Signal, above Montana. With
the expert guidance of the local ski-school, you will soon
be climbing to the slopes of Cry d'Er and Chetseron.
Intermediaries:
There is a huge variety of long red and blue runs on which
to practice those turns. Try the beautiful long, wide red
run from the glacier at Pointe Plaine Morte to Les Violettes
which then connects with the quieter area of Aminona.
Advanced:
Experts will appreciate the area of La Toula or the different
pistes used on the World Cup circuit. The gradients of many
red runs more than make up for the lack of official black
runs. There are also plenty of off-piste opportunities.
Snowboard Guide:
This is a great place for freeriders to hook up with a guide
and check the powder on the Plaine Morte Glacier. Freestylers
will not be grumbling, there is a good pipe and boardpark
at Pas du Loup containing rails, spines and kickers. There
are plenty of blues for beginners to cruise on, and the tuition
is said to be some of the highest in Europe.
